Quoting Small Engine Repairs and OEM versus Aftermarket Parts - My Take

MTD and their brands, Akways OEM belts. Air filters, aftermarket is ok, oil filters I prefer name brand. Same with fuel filters. Oil I use Kawasaki synthetic blend, 2 stroke gaskets and diaphragms Always use OEM. Thanks for watching. Email me for a sticker at [e-mail]

[@BrucesShop]

Good advice. John Deere belts are the same. You get what you pay for. You know I have learned my lesson on Chinese stuff. Only OEM on 2 strokes.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

The good thing about John Deere belts is that the common ones you can get at Home Depot on a Sunday. But you’re gonna pay a lot more price going to the box store then if you do mail order. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Good one Ken, you made some great points. It's seldom, but if customer brings parts they purchased there is no warranty. About 85% of the parts we stock and sell is from Rotary and we stand behind it. Quotes over the phone we have a service menu and tell them it's this price for a tune up plus parts. As far as belts, we use Rotary and price the job according to the particular machine. Have an Awesome day Ken!!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@TheKrayusKorianis]

Gotta love it when the person who wants you to do work doesn't know what's wrong with it. My landlord wants me to fix up his Stihl 08 S (at this point, an antique saw). All he said was that it starts fine, just won't go full throttle and falls on its face. Never mentioned it had a tree fall on it, until I questioned him about why the air filter was all crooked and the filter cap was cracked in half and the muffler holes were smooshed nearly closed. Opened up the muffler ports, tuned the carb, now it runs right. Also sharpened the chain. He wants now to replace the filter, cap, carb diaphragms and he needs new clutch springs. He's got the money and he don't care about price for his own stuff, lol. Just like the feller with the John Deere tractor in your explanation, Ken. The parts alone he'll need for his 08 S are going to be expensive because you can barely get parts for a saw from the 60-70's.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I find that Deere and Stihl owners don’t mind spending the money on quality equipment. Especially if they bought them new. Thanks for watching

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Great advise!

[@dr.lmsb4456]

Great info . Thanks for sharing. Take care & stay safe

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

You as well. Thanks for watching

[@TheNovaJohn]

I prefer OEM fuel pumps as a rule although there are a few good alternates. Belts are funny, I try to keep a few cheepies in stock bit I often find that on repairs for customers, I order correct fit. If its one of my In-Stock refurbs, I fool around more, if things go south, it doesn't get sold until I sort it out. Customer waiting for service, different story Always good info Ken,,,,,,,,,,

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

As guys who’ve been around the block we can smell crap from a mile away and avoid it. Thanks for watching I’ll see you on my next night time live Arch

[@fillslawncare]

Good points. Good to qualify the customer over the phone

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Best to know up front no surprises

[@stevetheriault4164]

VERY well explained buddy

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

We all do it differently I just wanted to share my take on the subject. Thanks for watching

[@TheRustyRooster]

All good points Ken especially on belts and diaphragms

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Just experience and frustration! Thanks for watching!

[@Turningwrenches85]

Good advice there ken. Enjoyed the video

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@mowerrepairshopfortscottkansas]

Good points OEM belts always

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

In a pinch a slightly shorter belt may work but no guarantees!

[@philliphall5198]

Stens belt has been great for years

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

As long as the length is the same. Some OEMs use fractional length belts. Aftermarket are in one inch increments, sometimes 1/2 inch increments

[@Parknest]

Wise words gained from experience. There are parralels with car repairs. Also not all aftermarket parts are created equal. I've noticed that Bosch car parts are noticeably better that the cheapest parts and they only cost a couple of pounds more.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Absolutely, an O2 sensor from Bosch is $100 USD, a Chinese knockoff is $25 USD and will fail in a short time.

[@philliphall5198]

Great advice 😊

[@themowerman]

Good one ken.. OEM and copy parts it's some and some

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Especially gaskets and diaphragms, only OEM for me! Thanks Mate!

[@fixitorstripitGardenmachines]

100% agree Ken, great vid

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronniebarker79]

Good walk through ken and very helpful uk have tyre kickers aswell m8

[@gravelyman]

Very well explained Ken!!!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

If I can understand it, anyone can lol!! Thanks for watching

[@Bolero4me]

Love the logic and explanations. Which I had heard this sooner. Doing my own side hobby or repairs and rebuilds on small engines. Love tinkering with it. And now I realize why some of them are not working as well as they could have. Thank you. - signed new subscriber

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for subscribing and watching!

[@mr1pearl]

Good tips Ken thanks !

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for watching Bill. Hope you got your stickers

[@mr1pearl]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair Yes very cool !

[@campbellpaul]

Also, knowing is the key to buying a new or used engine if you are going to have to replace things. Unless you really love a specific engine, sometimes it's not the best to own.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

We all have our favorites. For me it’s the Kohler K series. Thanks for watching

[@ricksmowers5094]

Great tips ken 100% agree👍🏻

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks Rick, hopefully it helps people out. Thanks for watching!

[@andrewmerritt3322]

Great vid. Ken. Thanks

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Hopefully people get something out of it. Thanks for watching

[@kevinbolin7665]

Ken I have been dealing with people just as you described for years . Trying to educate adamant people whom are sold on idealisms because there often to cheap to buy the OEM parts ......Then they encounter there issues and try to convey there importance of needing the failed equipment {complaining all the while to any audience that is in ear shot } Knowing very well it was there own cheap ass fault as to why but never owning up to there mistakes . So I have gotten cleaver with my older age and save the broken parts . This combats these lippy mouthed people whom seek other customers insights that are truly unaware of this one individuals {CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE SPENDING HABITS} . I have found with my years of experience by showing the homeowner his failed parts in front of his newly found collective audience and pointing out the importance of purchasing quality OEM parts often takes but moments and in doing so shuts up MR.Cheaper Alternative from evident truths being revealed that his audience can see as well . So he cant imply his results are because of my work .......Because the evidence of the failure is just to damning with the collected proof. I really enjoyed todays video Ken .....You touched on issues That I am sure other Shops and Dealers have to contend with daily . And I dont wont to advocate that I am above saving money ....But there is a time to be cheap and theres a time to buy quality . Its best to address these individuals head on ......I call it ....{IF YOU BUY CHEAP........EXPECT TO WEEP} LOL.....I even have a sign made out of plyboard with these very words and slightly below are 6 different examples of cheap compared to OEM quality parts .

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Oh the stories we could tell lol!

[@JungleBobRepair]

good info Ken

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Hey Bob

[@vaccarioou22]

Useful comments and insight :-)

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@petefroud5308]

Good shout Ken.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Thanks Pete hope all is well with you and yours and Taryl and the boys!

[@petefroud5308]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair Ken Taryl and the gang flat out from what i here. As we all are.

[@pattayperformance]

Can’t hate on John Deere for building a brand! Also take into account some manufacturers will deny a warranty if you don’t use their branded parts. Which is good bc the after the warranty expires, owner is brainwashed to use OEM till the end. We’ve covered this topic in depth...aftermarket is hit and miss. Use it at your own risk as well as trail and error. I have great success with aftermarket parts. Some of the aftermarket parts will just never work like Briggs Classic Plastic Carbs that sit on top of the tank. Customer supplies parts...absolutely nothing is guaranteed. After a bad experience about a guy quoting parts where he wanted a discount later down the road. Stopped giving estimates. If you are serious about getting the machine repaired. You will bring it to me, pay the diagnostic fee and get it done. Every customer has the right to shop around...which means you have every right to shop around for the best customer.

[@kevinbolin7665]

Pattay Your so right ....Iam speachless.....Very well stated ......I agree completely .......People that expect something for nothing are best sent on there way.

[@pattayperformance]

@@kevinbolin7665 that’s what I preach on my channel. I get good money for my fix n flips and repairs as well. Just be honest and upfront! I do ZERO advertising and zero issues keeping myself busy. People think they should pay you for your time. In reality they are paying for your experience and expertise. Effort is important, but knowing where to make the effort makes all the difference!

[@philliphall5198]

Getting harder every day trying to find any kind of small engine parts, back order is all I hear this week Honda is getting behind on parts also

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

MTD was the worst. They take an order THEN tell you it’s back ordered forever!!

[@kevinbolin7665]

I never like to give quotes as there will always be something else the homeowner fails to mention that is wrong ......from a faulty idler to bearings in the deck ....Then often you have more to contend with witch can affect time as well as money expected to be collected from the initial job depending on the customer and the dedication of the end result . And lets be Honest Ken your a heck of a lot like me / I have seen several of your videos and can advocate your not to likely to do a half ass job so quoting higher is def a smart move on your part .

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Good hearing from you my friend hope all is well

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

People are funny , they come to you like you do not know what to do . And then they ask you what to do . Went new people talk to old costumers then they trust you .

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Be upfront an honest most times you get the job unless they are tire-kickers shopping for the lowest price! Thanks for watching!

[@KevinHurley-np1gs]

Hi Kenny. I know this is off topic but I have a Toro 721 snowblower that won’t start. I changed the oil and gas. In your video you have a Klein screwdriver to get the jet out for cleaning. Can you tell me what size screwdriver you use please? I’m having a hell of a time getting the jet out, and it being brass I surely don’t want to strip it. Thanks Kenny! Kevin Hurley

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I use a cabinet makers screwdriver. Go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and bring the carb with you to match up the perfect screwdriver. You can always grind down a cheap screwdriver to fit too

[@KevinHurley-np1gs]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair Thanks Kenny! I’ll head over to Home Depot and get one. Thank you for all of your great you tube videos. I’ve really learned a lot from you!👍

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

@KevinHurley-np1gs thanks for watching!

[@nickywalsh8492]

Hi ken..

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Hey Nicky I’m on Stuart’s stream

[@hester781]

Greetings from Taxachusetts! lol where are you from?

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

SW Connecticut next to Bridgeport

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

I agree with everything you just said but what do u tell the customer when u buy OEM parts and it's got made in China,India etc on the box or package. It seems everything is made abroad anymore?? Just curious

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

True, most stuff is made in China but as long as it has the OEM part number on it and came from the OEM it has passed all the quality checks to insure it meets the dimensional and functional requirements as called out by the OEM. I try and buy parts from the Original Manufacturer when I can, like the Tuff Torq K46 trans input pulley I bought. It was less than half of Deere’s price and had the exact numbers stamped on it as the original pulley did and it came in a Tuff Torq bag in 2 days from Pennsylvania through Amazon! It’s all about doing the research and knowing what you are looking for.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair yeah you’re exactly right. Thanks

[@kevinbolin7665]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair Well said Ken/ This is why your channel continues to grow as I knew it would . Proper Research is imperative if a business is expected to grow . William is right / But making sure OEM specifications are meet can make all the difference . I found this out years ago when ordering aftermarket pistons and cylinders for Stihl Chainsaws .....Dont get me wrong I prefer OEM but sometimes the price of a repair can and will exceed the used piece of equipments value . So knowing what to look for can save money and time .

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

You’re absolutely right Kevin! Hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks for watching

[@mc2whls]

It's difficult to give Quotes in the "I'm too cheap to have it done correctly" world.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I hear ya. Thanks for watching!

[@casey74500]

where do you buy your parts?

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Depends on what I need. I have a local dealer that I use for Stihl, Echo, Toro, Ariens, and all the Engine manufacturers like Briggs, Kohler, Tecumseh, Kawasaki, Honda. Anything else I’ve used Amazon, jacks Small Engines, parts tree, pro parts direct. All depends on price and when I need it.

[@arthurwilliams1922]

Still have any stickers if so let me know

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Green or purple? Address to [e-mail]

[@arthurwilliams1922]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair just sent it thank you!

[@brianandrews7099]

I will never understand why really, really cheap people don’t just do their own repair work? They don’t care about the quality of the parts or the workmanship of the repair, so why not just hack it together yourself for free? Granted, I am pretty cheap, but I can still appreciate that some parts need to be of decent quality. So, sometimes I will go cheap, call it an experiment, and slap them on some “Chinesium goodness” and see what happens. If it doesn’t work, I shrug the shoulders and order something better. I am not going to blame the cheap part because I knew I was rolling the dice. I also have learned enough to know that if replacing the part the first time is difficult or time consuming, then its worth using a quality part (and still hoping its not a lemon) the first time. If your so cheap that your bargain shopping for the cheapest parts, why pay anyone to install them? My theory is that most of these people are not only cheap but they are willing to blame the mechanic of cheating them just to try to get the repair done again ... for free ... with better parts on the mechanic’s dime.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I totally agree. Remember NEW means Never Ever Worked! Even OEM parts are lemons once in a while, just not as often as Chinesium! Thanks for watching

[@SeattlePioneer]

I do.